Boolean Reading of Social Movements Using Space-Time Theories

Problem statement: 

The spatiality and temporality of social movements are of great importance. A limited number of studies have investigated the spatio-temporality of social movements. This article deals with the combination of spaces used by activists, all of which have been effective in the success of social movements.

The study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the formation of spatio-temporal patterns in social movements based on space-time theories. It also considered the impact of these patterns in shaping social behaviors and actions.

The research methodology is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Thirty-four contemporary movements were studied historically, and their information was coded and categorized. Causal conditions were identified and categorized based on research criteria by using quantitative content analysis. By converting the qualitative data into quantitative and using the Boolean method, an equation was obtained in which the relationship between space-time variables and the success of movements was determined.

The results showed that the movement experiences success if it uses relative space-time structure spaces (i.e., institutions, universities, and unions) “and” does not use relational space-time structure spaces (i.e., virtual networks, protest arts, and communities) “or” uses absolute space-and-time structure spaces (i.e., squares, streets, and symbolic buildings) “and” also uses relational spacetime structure spaces. The findings showed that if networking based on close and extensive multidimensional relationships is not possible for the movement, then organizational networking is necessary to achieve success. It was also proved that, in the absence of institutions, the coexistence of urban physical spaces and networking-based spaces is essential for the success of the movement. Together, they form a public sphere in which they continue protesting and resisting, and challenging the domination of established power.